Business notes

J. Ryan Perkins

Smith appointed dept. chairman

Bill Smith, a veteran member of the College of Business faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi, was recently appointed chairman of the college's Department of Economic Development and Tourism. The appointment was announced by Faye Gilbert, dean of the college.

Smith combines industry experience with more than 30 years of teaching at Southern Miss. He has taught professional selling, creative marketing, marketing research and the capstone marketing management course during his tenure. He has also taught economic development courses on leadership and led the sales and marketing portion of the True South course since its inception.

"Economic development and tourism are a wonderful combination and the College of Business is the best home," Smith said. "Each plays a vital role in helping create sustainable jobs and improving the standard of living for our citizens."

The university's master's degree in economic development was the first master's program in economic development offered in the United States by that name. The program has developed an international reputation with students and alumni drawn to its interdisciplinary and highly applied focus.

The program's new course curriculum was launched for the fall 2013 semester and is based on an in-depth analysis from academic and industry experts. It is designed to bring theory, practice and research together. The courses are taught executive style with limited on-campus requirements and extensive use of cases, exercises, projects, advanced software and internships.

Smith received his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees with honors from Florida State University and doctorate from Louisiana Tech University. He has experience as a technical sales representative for the Linde Division of Union Carbide Corporation and materials manager for a multi-million dollar building materials exporter.

He received the university's Excellence in Teaching Award in his first year at Southern Miss. Smith was also selected by senior student business organization leaders to receive the South Central Bell Outstanding Faculty Member Award twice. His work leading an effort to increase attendance at university athletics events won him the Distinguished Marketing Award from the Hattiesburg Sales & Marketing Executives organization.

Firm names new shareholder

Perkins, a native of Yazoo City, received his J.D. and his B.B.A. from the University of Mississippi. He is a seasoned attorney who has received the "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been selected by Mid-South Super Lawyers as both a Super Lawyer and a Rising Star.

Perkins was named one of the "Top 40 Under 40" by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2012. He also authors articles for several legal and industry publications.